Studies On Genetic Diversity Of Southern Catfish (Silurus Meridionalis Chen) Inside And Out Of The Three Gorges Reservior With RAPD

Southern catfish (Silurus meridionalis Chen), which belongs to Siluriformes, Siluridae, Silurus, is one of the most commercially important freshwater fishes. While recent researches related to Southern catfish are mostly focused on the morphology, nutriology, dynamics, and reproductive biology, very little research has been done on the genetic relationship at the molecular level among the different Southern catfish populations. Such studies are necessary to estimate the effects of aquatic environment changes caused by some major hydroelectric projects, such as Gezhou Dam and Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. Most people assumed that such hydroelectric projects might result in the reproduction isolation of Southern catfish and the destruction of fish spawning ground. Thus, establishing a rapid, reliable, unambiguous, and cost-effective estimation of genetic structure at the DNA level will be important in estimating the effects of these projects on the genetic structures of Southern catfish. In addition, information on the genetic structure and diversity of wild and cultivated population of Southern catfish might be useful in optimizing breeding programs, maintaining sustainable yields, and preserving fish genetic diversity.In present study, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to estimate the genetic diversity and relationship at DNA level among different Southern catfish populations. The examined Southern catfish samples were from seven natural districts inside and out of the Three Gorges Reservior (HC, MD, FL, PS, WS, YC, YY) and one cultivated population (RG). 24 RAPD primers were used to assess genetic variation and interrelationship among Southern catfish in these eight populations.